Security analyst urges I-G to prioritise intelligence, reform

Security analyst urges I-G to prioritise intelligence, reform

A security analyst, Dr Dickson Osajie, has urged the new Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, to prioritise intelligence-led policing, public trust and institutional reform.

Osajie, an International Certified Master Anti-Terrorism Specialist, spoke in an interview on Tuesday.

He described the appointment of a new police chief as a defining moment for Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

Osajie, Managing Director of DBreeze Protection Services Ltd., also commended outgoing I-G, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, for his service and wished him a fulfilling retirement.

He said Nigeria’s complex threats, including kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and organised crime, demanded predictive intelligence rather than reactive deployments.

“Nigeria requires intelligence-driven policing. The I-G must strengthen intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination and technological surveillance within lawful boundaries,” he said.

Osajie, a former soldier, stressed that restoring public confidence must remain central to the Force’s mission.

He said professionalism, respect for human rights and transparent accountability mechanisms were essential to rebuilding trust.

The analyst also advocated operational decentralisation to empower zonal and state commands with greater flexibility.

According to him, such autonomy would improve response times and enhance tactical efficiency nationwide.

On officer welfare, he warned that a poorly motivated force cannot deliver optimal results.

He urged improved insurance, housing, psychological support, training and broader welfare packages to boost morale and curb corruption.

Osajie highlighted technology integration, advocating digital forensics, data analytics, CCTV systems and stronger cyber-intelligence capabilities.

He also emphasised strengthening rapid response mechanisms to ensure timely police intervention during emergencies.

Beyond immediate priorities, he called for long-term reforms, including performance-based evaluations and modernised training aligned with global standards.

He urged stronger internal discipline, improved coordination with private security operators and expanded community policing initiatives.

“We must transition from force-centric policing to service-oriented policing,” he said.

Osajie underscored proactive media engagement, noting that transparency and regular communication would strengthen trust without compromising sensitive intelligence.

He added that the new I-G’s success would depend on decisive leadership, ethical standards, political will, adequate funding and institutional autonomy.

According to him, Nigeria stands at a critical security crossroads with an opportunity to reposition the Force as modern, intelligence-led and citizen-focused.

“The expectations are high, but so is the opportunity for transformational leadership,” he said.